Tropical Storm Bertha is poised to make landfall on the U.S. coast within hours, prompting warnings of potential flooding and power outages for millions along the Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tropical storm warnings for a 500-mile stretch spanning the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
Bertha, currently sustaining winds of 50 mph, is expected to first make landfall around 5 p.m. ET Wednesday in southeastern Louisiana. Forecasters predict the storm will track along the U.S. coastline, potentially making multiple landfalls in Louisiana and Texas throughout the week. Major cities such as New Orleans, Mobile, Biloxi, and Houston are in the storm's projected path.
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Meteorologists anticipate dangerous wind gusts, several inches of rain, localized flooding, and hazardous storm surges along coastal areas. Up to eight inches of rain are expected across the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday, with the potential for flash floods. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva warned that a slow-moving storm like Bertha can be particularly disruptive and increase the risk of severe flooding and life-threatening conditions.
Louisiana has activated its emergency operations center, urging residents to check emergency supplies and be prepared for potential power outages due to strong winds. Officials are also advising residents to check drainage around their properties and have a plan to receive updates as conditions change rapidly. Boaters and coastal residents face severe risks, as Bertha could capsize and damage vessels while moving west. Marinas along the Louisiana coast were largely deserted Tuesday in anticipation of storm surges, which are predicted to exceed three feet upon landfall.
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A second landfall is projected for the Texas coast late Thursday into Friday morning, impacting the upper Texas coast between Galveston and the Sabine River-Beaumont area. While expected to weaken by then, the storm is still forecast to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous rip currents.
Forecasters noted that extreme wind shear from the northern U.S. is currently impacting Bertha, pushing thunderstorms away from the shore. However, these winds could also steer the storm further south, potentially allowing it to strengthen by drawing energy from the warm Gulf waters. Despite the approaching storm, a severe heat warning remains in effect for Louisiana, western Mississippi, and eastern Texas, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and a heat index as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit.